Director, Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines Research at ModernaTX, Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

The Role



Moderna is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director of Shared Antigen Cancer Vaccines Research to join our Cancer Vaccines Research team, focusing on early pipeline programs. The Director will lead the early discovery and preclinical validation of shared antigen cancer vaccine candidates, overseeing the translation of innovative scientific concepts into actionable clinical programs in close collaboration with a diverse array of internal teams. As a leader in the Cancer Vaccines team, you will help shape the overall strategy of the Cancer Vaccines portfolio and ensure that early-stage programs seamlessly progress into Moderna's broader oncology pipeline.


This role requires a scientific leader who can balance scientific innovation, rigorous scientific execution and oversight to guide teams through the complex processes of early discovery, preclinical validation, and regulatory preparation. The Director will closely collaborate with clinicians to translate research findings into actionable clinical strategies, work with translational experts to develop robust biomarker plans and collaborate with CMC teams to ensure the timely manufacture of new vaccine candidates. Additionally, you will author and review relevant IND modules in close collaboration with regulatory colleagues to ensure timely filing and responses to global regulatory agencies. Demonstrated ability to construct risk-mitigated research strategies and pursue parallel options to progress programs efficiently and robustly through preclinical development is a key requirement of this role.



Here's What You'll Do

• Provide leadership and direction for early discovery programs, overseeing a team of scientists dedicated to evaluating new targets, optimizing immunogen designs, demonstrating function in biochemical, cell based and preclinical models.
  
  


• Provide deep expertise in immuno-oncology, with a proven ability to characterize of mechanisms of action (MOA) and mechanisms of resistance (MOR).
  
  


• Contribute to envisioning, drafting and critical review of regulatory documents, including INDs, supporting the advancement of early-stage clinical assets from the fast-emerging portfolio.
  
  


• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
  
  


• Create and oversee an efficient research strategy including milestone-driven, risk-mitigated experimental strategies.
  
  


• Establish group goals, associated budgets, and set timelines for deliverables
  
  


• Build resilient, cross-functional relationships across the research and development organizations to enable robust thought partnership, execution of rigorous science and efficient clinical development of our fast-expanding pipeline of medicines.
  
  


• Represent Moderna at scientific conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.
  
  

Here's What You'll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, oncology, molecular biology, or a related field.
  
  


• 10+ years of experience in cancer immunotherapy and/or vaccine development in industrial settings.
  
  


• Proven leadership experience, with a history of leading successful research teams and early-stage discovery programs through IND filing.
  
  


• Technical expertise to enable rigorous oversight of the generation and analysis of preclinical samples, such as with genomic profiling, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, multi-parameter flow/CyTOF panels/spectral flow cytometry and MS-immunopeptidomics data
  
  


• Evidence of leveraging deep technical expertise in Immuno-Oncology to evaluate Mechanisms of Action and Resistance MOA/MOR
  
  


• Experience in drafting and reviewing regulatory filings and working cross-functionally with clinical and regulatory teams.
  
  


• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and develop direct reports
  
  


• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with aggressive timelines
  
  


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  


• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
  
  


• A passion for innovation and the mission of developing transformative medicines in the fight against cancer.
  
  

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics is highly desirable.
  
  


• Experience in designing cancer vaccines comprised of shared antigens
  
  


• Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows with sufficient depth to enable strong thought partnership to analyze/understand large patient derived datasets with computational colleagues
  
  


• Strong publication record, with the ability to present complex scientific data to both internal and external audiences.
  
  

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options


• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses


• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities


• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring


• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes


• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment


• Adoption and family-planning benefits


• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community


• Generous paid time off, including:
  • Vacation, sick time and holidays
  • Volunteer time to participate within your community
  • Discretionary year-end shutdown
  • Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter


• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents


• 401k match and Financial Planning tools


• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options


• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests


• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes


• Location-specific perks and extras!

About Moderna



Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.


By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.


We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.


As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.


If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.


Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.


Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!


Moderna is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.


Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.


Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.


Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. (EEO/AAP Employer)


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